Railroad apologizes for using bait truck to lure thieves

A Chicago Police spokesman says the department was not involved in planning the operation

Associated Press

CHICAGO — Norfolk Southern Railroad has apologized for using a bait truck loaded with shoes to lure potential thieves on Chicago's South Side, and prosecutors have dropped charges against three people arrested during the sting.

Norfolk Southern issued a statement Friday saying it recognized the recent operation "eroded trust between law enforcement and the community" and says it doesn't plan to use this method in the future.

Civil rights activists and local aldermen criticized the operation . Residents of the Englewood neighborhood filmed police arresting a man and accused officers of trying to entrap poor residents with the truck. Residents featured in the video, which went viral, said the truck was stocked with Nikes.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office says burglary charges were dropped against three people.

A Chicago Police spokesman says the department was not involved in planning the operation.

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